By Jean S. HornerThe other day while walking down a corridor
in a public building, I saw what appeared to be someone walking toward
me. On coming closer, I found it was my own reflection in a huge mirror.
For a moment it frightened me. Somehow a full-length reflection of
one’s self is a startling thing. ...

Daily Boost

Jan. 5, 2010 - Treasures

By Rose McCormick Brandon

Some treasures are costly, others ordinary. One of my ordinary treasures is a Purity cookbook that belonged to my grandmother. It looked worn when it first moved into my kitchen. Now, after years of usefulness, it’s in danger of falling apart. Whenever I take out the cookbook, I think about Gramma — how her house smelled of freshly baked buns, how her pastel wardrobe of neat housedresses and coordinating aprons matched the colors of her kitchen. Batter splatters from her beater still dot the pages of her favorite recipes.

To others the cookbook is worthless. At a garage sale it wouldn’t even fetch 25 cents. But it’s a treasure to me because of the person who owned it.

Wealthy people collect rare antiques, priceless paintings and precious gems. Some collections grow so vast that security systems are installed to protect them. One man with a fat bank account and a house full of treasures complained, “The more I possess, the more I have to worry about.”

Jesus didn’t accumulate treasures. His belongings — the robe, tunic, sandals — were quickly disposed of by the soldiers who carried out His crucifixion. He taught His followers to do as He did: “Store up … treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20, NIV).

Just as my beloved cookbook is falling apart, treasures, even costly ones, eventually disappear, and bank accounts empty. It’s not wrong to have a few of earth’s trinkets as long as our true treasures are things that can’t be purchased, things that don’t keep us earthbound, but cause us to look heavenward.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Analyzing what we treasure helps us keep our priorities in order. Whether your treasures are worthless, like my tattered cookbook, or priceless, don’t let them have a permanent place in your heart. Save that place for Jesus.